INFORMATION ON LOCAL SUPPORT

Do You Need Help?We are working with South Norfolk Council, which has a comprehensive mechanism to support vulnerability. Their new number for people to ask for help: 01508 533933 and residents can also visit https://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-informationTheir help hub team is in place to respond to requests for help and support residents with practical help, mostly around food and medicine enquiries. They are taking delivery of a range of food products which will be stored at locations across the district. These supplies are to provide the district with emergency food for residents who are in need of immediate support. Central Government is also providing food for the most vulnerable and the first load was delivered this week. They will have a main distribution centre with holding sites across the area and they will be working with the current well-established food bank system to distribute food to residents.They have started to contact the most vulnerable residents via a list created from their own data, County Council and the national NHS lists, however this list is not fully comprehensive and we understand that as this crisis lengthens, more and more people will need help.

What Help Could You Receive?

Assistance with collecting prescriptions or shopping.

A friendly phone call.

Advice on benefits and help with completing the application forms

Emergency income to assist with purchase of essentials (Food) or utilities, up to £150

One off payment to assist people whilst waiting for Universal credit or SSP to commence.

All working age people in receipt of Council Tax Support (CTS) receiving additional assistance. Further £150.00 deducted from all working age people who are in receipt of CTS. Where liability is below £150.00 this will be reduced to allow Council Tax liability to be zero

Discretionary Housing Payment from £500-£2k

Council Tax Assistance, up to 85%

Discretionary Council Tax Relief

Renters – South Norfolk Council is encouraging anyone whose income has been impacted by COVID-19 to contact their landlord immediately, whether that be a registered provider such as Saffron or Clarion or a private landlord. They are aware that registered providers are keen to work with people however they will not know that their tenants are in hardship unless they are informed. Similarly, central government has announced that private landlords can ask their mortgage providers for a 3 month payment holiday when their tenants are affected by COVID-19, it is therefore expected that this saving be passed to the tenant. If landlords are not helping, our housing team may be able to assist, however we do ask tenants to speak to landlords first.

The Good Neighbours SchemeThe Help Hub is utilising the services of the existing Good Neighbours Scheme. Poringland and the surrounding villages is blessed with this group which supports people in need to help improve their quality of life. Their motto of 'people helping people' could not be truer during these difficult times.If you would prefer to contact the Good Neighbours Scheme directly, please contact David on 07934 195724 or email goodneighbourhelp@gmail.comBelow are examples of how the Good Neighbours Scheme can help (please note that services could be subject to change based on changing government advice)

Local Relief for the Prevention of PovertyThe Poringland Fuel Allotment Trust (charity ref 246265) is a local charity designed to support village groups and individuals suffering from hardship. To apply for a grant, please contact Lesley Sanders on 01508 492155 or email dickles17@hotmail.com